Douglas W. Petersan
Douglas W. Petersan, 81, died at home April 10, 2023.
He was born Feb. 15, 1942, on the family farm in rural Stanton County, Neb., to William and Theodora (Nelsen) Petersan. He graduated from Stanton High School (Neb.) in 1959 and then Northeast Nebraska College. He found a life on the golf course starting as greenkeeper at Pioneer Park Golf Course in Lincoln, Neb., then in Joliet, Ill., where he married Rae Jean Moritz in 1969. His golf career took him back to Nebraska then on to Prairie Dunes in Hutchinson, Kan., and the Austin Golf Club in Austin, Texas. He moved to Arkansas in 2012 where he continued to consult with many courses in his retirement. He long advocated traditional, low-chemical regimens and common-sense solutions and served on statewide superintendent associations earning awards and an induction into the Nebraska Golf Hall of Fame. He enjoyed traveling and was a voracious reader. He was a member of Bella Vista Lutheran Church.
He was predeceased by his parents, William and Theodora Petersan; sisters, Eunice (McDonell) of Wheaton, Ill., Myrna (Madison) of Kenner, La., Marilyn (Frantz) of Lincoln, Rena (Bowman) of Red Oak, Iowa, Genevieve (Hinrichs) of Gurley, Neb.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rae Jean; two sons, Peter (Doron) and Paul (Kamber) both of Washington DC; one grandson; and brothers, Donis of Lincoln, Melvin of San Diego, Calif..
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 12, at 11 a.m. at Bella Vista Lutheran Church, 1990 Forest Hills Blvd. in Bella Vista.
Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory.
Online condolences may be made at funeralmation.com.